Washing machine appliance with a top panel having a recessed portion

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance is provided with a cabinet having a top panel. The top panel includes a recessed portion. The recessed portion has an arcuate shape and is configured for receipt of a human torso. The recessed portion can, e.g., assist a user in accessing a wash basket of the appliance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter is directed generally to washing machine appliances with a recess defined by a top panel of the appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, vertical axis washing machine appliances include a cabinet with a wash basket rotatably mounted therein. The wash basket is configured for receipt of articles for washing and for rotation about a substantially vertical axis during operation of the appliance. The cabinet includes a top panel that defines an opening for permitting access to the wash basket. A user can place soiled and/or dirty articles into the wash basket through the opening. Conversely, a user can remove cleaned and/or washed articles from the wash basket through the opening.

After articles have been washed and/or cleaned, the articles generally settle in a bottom of the wash basket. Thus, when the user is removing washed and/or cleaned articles from the wash basket, the user must generally reach to bottom of the wash basket in order to remove the washed and/or cleaned articles. However, because the opening is defined in the top panel, reaching the bottom of the wash basket can be difficult for certain users.

One design goal for certain washing machine appliances is to maximize a volume of the wash basket. Two variables affect the volume of the wash basket, the wash basket's diameter and the wash basket's height. Thus, to increase the volume of the wash basket the diameter and/or the height of the wash basket must be increased.

Certain problems can arise if the wash basket's diameter is increased. In vertical axis washing machines, increasing the wash basket's diameter will increase the footprint of the appliance. Thus, more floor space is required to accommodate the appliance. Certain consumers do not possess the facilities for operating such appliances due to the consumer's limited available floor space. Thus, increasing the wash basket's height is generally preferred in order to increase the wash basket's volume without consuming additional floor space. However, increasing the wash basket's height presents problems as well.

For example, consumers have varying heights. In particular, certain consumers may be shorter than others. Increasing the wash basket's height can hinder such consumers' ability to reach articles in the wash basket. Thus, a conflict can exist between increasing wash basket volume by increasing wash basket height and a shorter consumer's ability to access articles disposed in the wash basket. Accordingly, a washing machine appliance with features for assisting a user in accessing a wash basket of the appliance would be useful. In particular, a vertical axis washing machine appliance with features for assisting a user in accessing a wash basket of the appliance would be useful.

As discussed above, accessing articles disposed at the bottom of the wash basket can be difficult for certain consumers. For example, shorter consumers may have to lean into or over the top panel of the appliance in order to reach the bottom of the wash basket. Leaning into or over the top panel can be uncomfortable and/or difficult. Accordingly, a washing machine appliance with features for assisting a user to more comfortably and/or easily access a wash basket of the appliance would be useful. In particular, a vertical axis washing machine appliance with such features would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first embodiment, a vertical axis washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet that extends between a top and a bottom and also extends between a first side and a second side. The cabinet defines a horizontal direction between the first and second sides of the cabinet and also defines a vertical direction between the top and bottom of the cabinet. The cabinet further extends between a front and a back and defines a transverse direction between the front and back of the cabinet. The transverse direction is substantially perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions. A wash basket is mounted in the cabinet. The wash basket is configured for the receipt of articles during a washing process and for rotation about a substantially vertical axis. A top panel is positioned adjacent the top of the cabinet. The top panel defines an opening for permitting access to the wash basket. The top panel also has a recessed portion positioned adjacent the front of the cabinet. The recessed portion is substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction. The recessed portion is configured for receipt of a human torso.

In a second embodiment, a vertical axis washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet that extends between a top and a bottom and also extends between a first side and a second side. The cabinet defines a horizontal direction between the first and second sides of the cabinet and also defines a vertical direction between the top and bottom of the cabinet. The cabinet further extends between a front and a back and defines a transverse direction between the front and back of the cabinet. The transverse direction is substantially perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions. A wash basket is mounted in the cabinet. The wash basket is configured for the receipt of articles during a washing process and for rotation about a substantially vertical axis. A top panel is positioned adjacent the top of the cabinet. The top panel defines an opening for permitting access to the wash basket. The top panel has a substantially planar exterior surface portion and a recessed exterior portion. The recessed exterior portion is positioned adjacent the front of the cabinet. The recessed exterior portion is substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction. The recessed exterior portion extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end such that the recessed exterior portion has a length, L, along the horizontal direction between the first and second ends of the recessed exterior portion. The recessed exterior portion is disposed below the substantially planar exterior portion along L such that the recessed exterior portion extends between a top and a bottom and has a depth, D, along the vertical direction between the top and the bottom of the recessed exterior portion. The recessed exterior portion is configured for receipt of a human torso.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary vertical axis washing machine appliance according to an embodiment of the present subject matter with an exemplary door of the appliance shown in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vertical axis washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door shown in an open configuration of the appliance such that a recessed portion of an exemplary top panel of the appliance is shown.

FIG. 3 provides a front perspective view of the top panel of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the recessed portion of the top panel of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A washing machine appliance is provided with a cabinet having a top panel. The top panel includes a recessed portion. The recessed portion has an arcuate shape and is configured for receipt of a human torso. The recessed portion can, e.g., assist a user in accessing a wash basket of the appliance. Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or door 130 is shown in a closed configuration. In FIG. 2, door 130 is shown in an open configuration. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 103 and a bottom 104. Washing machine appliance 100 also extends between a front 106 and a back 107 and between a first side 108 and a second side 109. A vertical direction V is defined between top 103 and bottom 104 of cabinet 102. A horizontal direction H is defined between first side 108 and second side 109 of cabinet 102, and a transverse direction T is defined between front 106 and back 107 of cabinet 102. Vertical direction V, horizontal direction H, and transverse direction T are orthogonally oriented such that vertical direction V, horizontal direction H, and transverse direction T form an orthogonal directional system and are perpendicular to each other.

A drum or wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 in order to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 defines a wash chamber 121 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends from wash basket 120 into wash chamber 121. Impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber 121 during operation of washing machine appliance 100.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 200. Top panel 200 defines an opening 105 that permits user access to wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120. Door 130 is rotatably mounted to top panel 200. However, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 or any outer suitable support. Door 130 selectively rotates between the closed configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the open configuration shown in FIG. 2. In the closed configuration, door 130 inhibits access to wash chamber 121. Conversely, in the open configuration, a user can access wash chamber 121. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash chamber 121 when door 130 is in the closed configuration, e.g., during operation of appliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door 130.

A control panel 110 with a plurality of input selectors 112 extends from top panel 200. Control panel 110 and input selectors 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 130 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown) that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, the controller operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into wash chamber 121 through opening 105, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Wash basket 120 is filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber 121 are agitated (e.g., with impellor) for cleansing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 120 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 120, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, impellor may again provide agitation within wash chamber 121. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into wash chamber 121 through opening 105.

As discussed in greater detail below, top panel 200 is configured for assisting a user in accessing wash basket 120. For example, top panel 200 has features for assisting a user in accessing articles resting at or near a bottom (not shown) of wash basket 120. Thus, top panel 200 is configured for assisting a user in leaning into or over top panel 200 in order to assist a user reaching into wash chamber 121.

FIG. 3 provides a front view of top panel 200. Top panel 200 extends between a first side 202 and a second side 204 along horizontal direction H and also extends between a front 206 and a back 208 along transverse direction T. Thus, first side 202 of top panel 200 is spaced apart from second side 204 of top panel 200 along horizontal direction H, and front 206 of top panel 200 is spaced apart from back 208 of top panel 200 along transverse direction T. Top panel 200 defines a width, W, along horizontal direction H between first side 202 of top panel 200 and second side 204 of top panel 200. In FIGS. 1-3, top panel 200 has a substantially rectangular or square shape. However, in alternative embodiments, top panel 200 may have any other suitable shape, e.g., circular or oval.

Top panel 200 includes a substantially planar exterior portion 210 and a recessed exterior portion 220. Substantially planar portion 210 is configured for receipt of door 130 in the closed configuration as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 1, door 130 is disposed on substantially planar exterior portion 210 (FIG. 3) such that a top surface 134 of door 130 is substantially flush with an exterior surface 201 of top panel 200. In addition, as may be seen in FIG. 1, in the closed configuration, door 130 is disposed over and covers recessed exterior portion 220 (FIG. 3) of top panel 220. Thus, in the closed configuration, recessed exterior portion 220 may be concealed from a user by door 130.

Continuing with FIG. 3, recessed exterior portion 220 is positioned adjacent front 206 of top panel 200 and has a recessed surface 221. Recessed exterior portion 220 extends between a first end 222 and a second end 224 along horizontal direction H. Thus, recessed exterior portion has a length, L, along horizontal direction H between first end 222 of recessed exterior portion 220 and second end 224 of recessed exterior portion 220. L may be e.g., any ergonomically suitable measurement. For example, L may be between about six inches and about eighteen inches, between about eight inches and about sixteen inches, or between about ten inches and about fourteen inches. Similarly, L may be any suitable percentage of W. For example, L may be between about ten percent and about fifty percent of W, between about twenty percent and about forty percent of W, between about thirty percent and about seventy percent of W, or between about forty percent and about eighty percent of W.

Top panel 200 also defines a centerline C_(L). Centerline C_(L) divides appliance 100 including top panel 200 into two substantially equal portions, e.g., splitting the axis of rotation of wash basket 120. In FIG. 3, centerline C_(L) is oriented from front 106 to back 107 of washing machine appliance 100 along transverse direction T.

Recessed exterior portion 220 is positioned adjacent front 206 of top panel 200 and is disposed on top panel 200 such that recessed exterior portion 220 is substantially symmetrical about centerline C_(L). Thus, first end 222 of recessed exterior portion 220 and second end 224 of recessed exterior portion 220 are positioned about equidistant from center line C_(L) and first side 202 of top panel 200 and second side 204 of top panel 200 respectively. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, recessed exterior portion 220 may be disposed on top panel 200 such that recessed exterior portion 220 is not substantially symmetrically positioned about centerline C_(L) or between first side 202 and second side 204 of top panel 200.

Recessed exterior portion 220 is substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction H. Also, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, depth D (FIG. 4) of recessed exterior portion 220 is greatest at centerline C_(L) or a midpoint of length L and decreases moving along the horizontal direction from the midpoint of length L to first or second ends 222 and 224. However, it should be understood that centerline C_(L) and a midpoint of L need not coincide in all exemplary embodiments. First and second ends 222 and 224 are substantially within the same plane as exterior portion 210. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, recessed exterior portion 220 slopes downwardly along transverse direction T from the front 225 (FIG. 4) to the bottom 228 (FIG. 4) of recessed exterior portion 220.

The shape or appearance of recessed exterior portion 220 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is provided by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, recessed exterior portion 220 may include arcuate segments, linear segments, angled segments, or any suitable combination thereof.

Recessed exterior portion 220 is configured for receipt of a human torso (not shown). Generally, when loading and/or unloading articles from wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2), a user reaches into wash chamber 121. As may be seen in FIG. 2, a user reaching into wash chamber 121 may lean into or on top panel 200 such that the torso of the user impacts top panel 200. By receiving the torso of the user, recessed exterior portion 220 lowers the point about which the user bends in order to reach into wash chamber 121. Thus, the user may reach further into wash chamber 121 when recessed exterior portion 220 receives the torso of the user. Also, the user may reach more easily and/or comfortably into wash chamber 121 when recessed exterior portion 220 receives the torso of the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of top panel 200 and recessed exterior portion 220. Recessed exterior portion 220 of top panel 220 extends between a front 225 and a back 226 along transverse direction T. Front 225 of recessed exterior portion 220 is disposed higher than back 226 of recessed exterior portion 220 such that recessed exterior portion 220 is sloped towards back 208 (FIG. 3) of top panel 200 along transverse direction T. Thus, a user leaning into top panel 200 such that a torso of the user is received by recessed exterior portion 220 may lean further into wash chamber 121. Also, by sloping recessed exterior portion 220, gravity can urge liquid (e.g., water and/or detergent) disposed on recessed exterior portion 220 into wash chamber 121 rather than towards front 206 of top panel 200. For example, water on recessed exterior portion 220 will flow towards back 208 (FIG. 3) of top panel 200 and into wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2) due to slope of recessed exterior portion 220.

Recessed exterior portion 220 also extends between a top 227 and a bottom 228 along vertical direction V. Top 227 of recessed exterior portion 220 is substantially flush with substantially planar exterior portion 210. Bottom 228 of recessed exterior portion 220 is disposed below substantially planar exterior portion 210. As stated above, recessed exterior portion has a depth D along vertical direction V between top 227 of recessed exterior portion 220 and bottom 228 of recessed exterior portion 220. D may be any suitable measurement. For example, D may be between about one inch and about six inches, between about two inches and about five inches, or between about three inches and about four inches. As shown, D also increases along the transverse direction T from front 225 to back 226 of recessed exterior portion 220.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vertical axis washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet extending between a top and a bottom and extending between a first side and a second side, said cabinet defining a horizontal direction between the first and second sides of said cabinet also defining a vertical direction between the top and bottom of said cabinet, said cabinet further extending between a front and a back and defining a transverse direction between the front and back of said cabinet, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions; a wash basket mounted in said cabinet, said wash basket configured for the receipt of articles during a washing process and for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; and a top panel positioned adjacent the top of said cabinet, said top panel defining an opening for permitting access to said wash basket, said top panel having a recessed portion positioned adjacent the front of said cabinet, the recessed portion being substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction, the recessed portion being configured for receipt of a human torso.
 2. The appliance of claim 1, wherein said top panel extends between a first side and a second side about a centerline of the appliance, wherein the recessed portion of said top panel is substantially symmetrically distributed about the centerline between first side of said top panel and the second side of said top panel.
 3. The appliance of claim 1, wherein said top panel has a width, W, along the horizontal direction between a first side of said top panel and a second side of said top panel, wherein the recessed portion of said top panel has a length, L, along the horizontal direction between a first end of the recessed portion and a second end of the recessed portion, wherein L is between about twenty percent and about fifty percent of W.
 4. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion of said top panel has a length, L, along the horizontal direction between a first end of the recessed portion and a second end of the recessed portion, wherein L is between about four inches and about sixteen inches.
 5. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion has a front, a back, and a depth, D, along the vertical direction between a top of the recessed portion and a bottom of the recessed portion, wherein the recessed portion slopes downwardly along the transverse direction such that depth D increases from the front to the back of the recessed portion.
 6. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion extends between a top and a bottom, the recessed portion defining a depth, D, along the vertical direction between the top of the recessed portion and the bottom of the recessed portion, with D being between about one inch and about 4 inches.
 7. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion extends between a front and a back along the transverse direction, wherein the front of the recessed portion is positioned higher than the back of the recessed portion such that the recessed portion is pitched towards the back of said cabinet along the transverse direction.
 8. The appliance of claim 1, further comprising a door mounted to said cabinet or said top panel, said door configured for permitting selective access to said wash basket, said door being disposed over the recessed portion of said top panel such that the door covers the recessed portion.
 9. The appliance of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the recessed portion is positioned adjacent said wash basket.
 10. A vertical axis washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet extending between a top and a bottom and extending between a first side and a second side, said cabinet defining a horizontal direction between the first and second sides of said cabinet and also defining a vertical direction between the top and bottom of said cabinet, said cabinet further extending between a front and a back and defining a transverse direction between the front and back of said cabinet, the transverse direction being perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions; a wash basket mounted in said cabinet, said wash basket configured for the receipt of articles during a washing process and for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; a top panel positioned adjacent the top of said cabinet, said top panel defining an opening for permitting access to said wash basket, said top panel having a substantially planar exterior portion and a recessed exterior portion, the recessed exterior portion being positioned adjacent the front of said cabinet, the recessed exterior portion being substantially arcuate along the horizontal direction, the recessed exterior portion extending between a first end and a second end, the recessed exterior portion having a length, L, along the horizontal direction between the first end and the second end of the recessed exterior portion, the recessed exterior portion being disposed below the substantially planar exterior portion along L such that the recessed exterior portion extends between a top and a bottom and has a depth, D, along the vertical direction between the top and the bottom of the recessed exterior portion, the recessed exterior portion being configured for receipt of a human torso.
 11. The appliance of claim 10, wherein the recessed exterior portion of said top panel is substantially symmetrically distributed about a centerline between first side of said top panel and the second side of said top panel.
 12. The appliance of claim 10, wherein said top panel has a width, W, along the horizontal direction between a first side of said top panel and a second side of said top panel, wherein L is between about twenty percent and about fifty percent of W.
 13. The appliance of claim 10, wherein L is between about four inches and about sixteen inches.
 14. The appliance of claim 10, wherein D is between about one inch and about 4 inches.
 15. The appliance of claim 10, wherein the recessed exterior portion extends between a front and a back along the transverse direction, wherein the front of the recessed exterior portion is positioned higher than the back of the recessed exterior portion such that the recessed exterior portion is pitched towards the back of said cabinet along the transverse direction.
 16. The appliance of claim 10, wherein the recessed exterior portion slopes downwardly along the transverse direction such that depth D increases from a front of the recessed exterior portion to a back of the recessed exterior portion.
 17. The appliance of claim 10, further comprising a door mounted to said cabinet or said top panel, said door configured for permitting selective access to said wash basket, said door being disposed over the recessed exterior portion of said top panel such that the door covers the recessed exterior portion.
 18. The appliance of claim 10, wherein the bottom of the recessed exterior portion is positioned adjacent said wash basket. 